ABC today announced an early renewal for Modern Family, bringing the popular sitcom back for a fourth season. As the highest-rated program among adults 18-49 for the second consecutive season, the renewal is not a surprise.

Until now ABC had not issued any early renewals for its TV shows. Last season's early pick-ups for popular shows reportedly angered bosses at the overlooked shows whose ratings were solid and which had to wait until May to learn about their fate. The announcement comes just days before ABC will make its upfront presentation in New York. We will learn the full details about their fall schedule on Tuesday, May 15.

ABC also renewed The Middle and Modern Family, but not the fellow Wednesday-night sitcom Happy Endings. Happy Endings is expected to be renewed at some point, as is the Tim Allen sitcom Last Man Standing. The dramas  Grey’s Anatomy, Revenge, Castle and Once Upon a Time were all renewed, while Scandal, GCB, Missing and Body of Proof are on the bubble and could go either way. The River is very unlikely to be renewed.